West Bengal Elections: TMC’s 10 ‘promise’ in election manifesto, big focus on women, youth and farmers

Kolkata. Trinamool Congress on Friday released its manifesto for the West Bengal Assembly elections making 10 promises related to widening the scope of existing welfare schemes, strengthening access to health services and development of infrastructure.

Unveiling the manifesto, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said these commitments will serve as a guide for the government if the Trinamool Congress returns to power for the fourth consecutive term. “I respectfully present before you my 10 ‘pledges’ that will pave the way for our government’s journey in the next five years,” she said.

One of the major commitments is the promise to launch a door-to-door healthcare delivery initiative – ‘Duare Chikitsa’ under which the state government will organize health camps in every block and town every year.

Banerjee said, “Health services will reach the courtyard of every house. People will get quality health services at their homes through ‘Duare Chikitsa’ camps in every block and town.” The party also promised to increase the amount given under the ‘Lakshmi Bhandar’ scheme, a major welfare program launched for women.

Banerjee said women’s empowerment remains a central priority of her government. The monthly financial assistance will be increased by Rs 500 as per the revised benefit promise made by the party. Women belonging to the general category will receive Rs 1,500 per month, while women belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities will receive Rs 1,700 per month through direct transfer.

“The promises made in the manifesto are aimed at ensuring that the wheel of development continues to move forward without any hindrance and the light of happiness reaches every home of my beloved Bengal,” the Trinamool Congress chief said.

What’s in TMC’s manifesto?

• Youth below 25 years of age will be provided annual assistance of Rs 1 lakh for apprenticeship.
• Student credit card up to Rs 10 lakh will be given.
• Poor families will get 10 LPG cylinders for free every year.
• Every poor family will get a safe and secure house.
• Every ration card holder will get 5 kg of grains free per person. There will be home delivery of ration.
• There will be guarantee of 100 days work in MNREGA.
• Unskilled workers will be given wages of Rs 400 per day.
• Elderly people above 60 years of age will get Rs 1000 monthly pension.
• Will reduce the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG.
• Girls will get assistance up to Rs 25,000 for education.
• Everyone will be given health insurance cover up to Rs 10 lakh.
• Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be repealed. National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be applicable.
• MSP guarantee for farmers, they will get at least 50% more prices than the cost of crops.